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Wednesday, December 19, 2012

The Gift of Graham

When the Loudermilks first moved in, I posted a few of their pictures on my personal Facebook page. Briana, friend and neighbor, immediately took note of adorable little Graham.

Briana and her husband, Sascha, were thinking about adding a second cat to their household. They weren't really considering a kitten, but a young adult instead, and had been visiting local shelters in search of a good match for their tabby boy, Melvin.

While Briana and Sascha searched for the perfect cat, the Loudermilks grew, and were ready for adoption. Cyrus, Clive and Ralphie found their families, but Graham's people hadn't stepped forward yet, and when Briana saw he was still available, she sent me a message.

She wondered if it would be possible for me to bring Graham over for a visit to see if things might work with Melvin.

I packed up Graham in the carrier and walked over to their house. Briana met me at the door with a huge smile, I came in and placed the carrier on the floor. Melvin woke from his nap on the couch, and hopped down to investigate this odd delivery in the middle of the room.

Noses bumped, paws reached, both were curious and calm.

We waited a few moments, then I opened the carrier door, and Graham eased his way out. Melvin stayed close.

Not a single growl was growled or hiss was hissed. Never in a squillion years, did I think the first few moments would go as great as this.

The boys continued to check each other out, and Graham explored the room, the whole first floor, then made his way upstairs. Melvin stayed close, and they even chased each other around a bit. Briana and I followed the boys and chatted and soon agreed that Graham was a very good fit.

And then we hatched a plan to surprise their three children, who more than anything, wanted a cat for Christmas.

We wanted the timing to be perfect, so we waited for the next evening that was free of appointments, commitments, and lessons to deliver this special Christmas gift.

I found a lid to a grapefruit box that was slightly larger than the carrier, and wrapped all but one side of it with Christmas paper and trimmed it with a bow. I placed Graham in the carrier, slid the carrier into the box, and Craig and I walked over to their house with the surprise in hand.

The kids were at the table finishing their dinner when we arrived. I placed the package on the floor with the open side of the box concealed, and announced that we were here to deliver a special Christmas gift for the family.

The kids came closer and Graham let out a few mews. Mouths dropped open, eyes got big and Caleb, their son, screamed "O.........M.........G" and threw his arms in the air. We slid the carrier out of the box and released little Graham to say hello to the whole family.

The pictures I took that night aren't the best. The light was low, and my eyes were a little teared-up, which made it difficult to focus the camera properly. Even thought they aren't the greatest, I wanted to include these images in the post so you could get a sense of the joy and glee in the house that night.

As you can imagine, Caleb, Yahbi, and Sega were shocked, surprised and thrilled by this adorable gift.

They were all in awe of his tininess and adorableness.

Smiles were huge and abundant, hearts were happy.

The kids were so sweet with Graham. They took turns holding him and playing with him and even in all this excitement of getting a new kitten, were very aware of Melvin, who could of easily been overlooked in this moment, and gave him lots of love too.

Craig and I stayed for a spell and enjoyed talking with the family and soaking in this lovely scene. The kids, again and again, thanked us for their kitten.

Briana, Sascha, Sega, Calab, Yahbi and Melvin, thank you so much for adopting our sweet boy. We are thrilled to no end that he has found a place in your beautiful, loving family.

Watching you receive the gift of Graham will forever be one of my favorite Christmas memories, and I hope it's the same for you.

I agree with Melissa. These pictures are perfect! Low light or not, they show pure joy and happiness! Congratulations to everyone! And Merry Christmas! All of the Loudermilks found their purrfect families. It doesn't get any better than that!

Such a wonderful, heartwarming story! I teared up too. Love the photo of Graham and Melvin as well as all those lovely photos of the children's smiles. What a touching moment in time that you have shared with us.

Instead of a little boy who it looked like had been temporarily forgotten by the universe, it's clear that the universe was just holding Graham back to make sure his adoption was even more perfect than usual! All those smiling kids (and parents), and Graham and Melvin hitting it off instantly -- could anything be more perfect? Thank you for the most wonderful Christmas adoption story ever, Laurie, and thanks to the whole wonderful family who gave us all such magical moments seeing their job at their new family member!

Another beautiful Christmas story. Melvin will be the perfect big brother for our little Graham. The family is beautiful and sweet and I know without a doubt that Graham is going to have a wonderful forever home with them. Congrats to all!

What a heartwarming story to start the day with. It's a good thing I live in North Carolina, otherwise I would have a lot more than my current 4 cats....they, especially this last batch of kittens, are always sweet beyond words or pictures...

I'm glad the meeting went so well with Melvin. He was hoping for a new friend to play with while everyone else was gone during the day. It's heart-warming to see such a loving family and how they didn't forget Melvin either. This is a family that has plenty of love to give.

With all of the sad events of the past week, I think we all needed to hear a sweet and happy story. Thanks for the "happy" tears. Rock on Melvin and Graham and happy tails to you for a long life with lots of cuddles from a wonderful family.

Somebody must be chopping onions around here *sniff* *sniff* :) What a beautiful, beautiful story - I'm so glad little Graham has found a most wonderful forever home - I wish every cat (and dog) could be so lucky! As I type this my own sleeping marmie has my legs pinned on the couch so I can't move - and I'm not complaining, hehe :)

Graham was obviously waiting for an extraordinary family, and did he ever find one! From his new brother Melvin to his new kids and grown-ups, he certainly hit the jackpot, and it couldn't happen to a sweeter, more deserving kitty.

Omigosh, what a wonderful story. Such a happy family with two sweet rescued kitties! Thank you for sharing this at Christmas time. We'll go hug our own 6 rescue kitties and give them some extra love, knowing they're safe and warm just like these two guys!

Itty Bitty Kitty Committee Poster by Jay Bryant

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